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Date:

February 17, 1797

Extent:

2p

Summary:

This document is a letter written to Benjamin Hawkins, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, from Tennessee Governor John Sevier (1796-1801, 1803-1809) on February 17, 1797. In this letter, Sevier accounted the story of two slaves belonging to Captain James Richardson who had run away and ended up in the Cherokee Nation. The slaves were then taken by a member of the Creek Nation, who announced he would not relinquish possession of the slaves until some of his horses stolen by Cherokees, were returned. Sevier also told Hawkins that it is suspected that Creeks and/or Cherokees had recently been exerting aggression against settlers in the Cumberland, having killed one man and stealing several horses. Sevier requested that Hawkins attempt to have the slaves and horses returned as soon as possible.

Sometime past two Negro fellows belonging to Capt. [Captain] James Richardson of this Country ran away and went into the Cherokee Nation , from whence[added: thence] to the Creeks , Where they were taken by a halfbreed, by sold some called the Fife and by others Lastly; He pretend to hold them until he is made whole for some horses stolen from him by the Cherokees there has been also [added: a man killed lately &] & a number of horses lately[added: lately] taken from the cumberland [Cumberland] Settlements, supposed to be done by the Creeks [added: or Cherokees ]

I beg of you to exert your influence [added: to keep those indians [Indians] within bounds] And have the both the Negroes and horses returned [added: as soon as possible], otherways [otherwise]it will be impossible[added: we need not expect] to Support peace and tranquility Much longer to the negroes belongs to a person in Moderate Circumstances, and the loss is very injurious considerably[added: Sensibly] felt by him and his family — I hope the pleasure of seeing